PUBLIC library; closed for staff development and no visible lights on for any sort of training. Watched elderly, veterans, families, and underprivileged people looking to better their lives and future get to read a sign blatantly lying to their tax paying public constituents. Completely unsatisfactory to "develop staff" to this level on a job that could be trained during business hours & likely within one hour total on a monthly basis. read more

Temple Public Library - "Staff Development" - Libraries Near Me - Temple, Texas

Best library in Bell County that I know of. In addition to a large collection of books, tv shows and movies there are also community programs and gathering spaces for meetings. read more

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The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. They strive to make one feel welcome. That which I could not locate may be due to my error. I embrace their creative ideas to broaden the visitor's experience - books masked in plain brown wrapper, seed library, plants! While thay may not have the book that you were seeking, they will have that book that you didn't realize that you really need. Re.: previous reviews I did not witness an inappropriate behavior from patrons, regardless of their residence status. Art, music, and libraries are intrinsic to elevating a community, making it crucial to welcome everyone emphatically. read more

Everything went well!! Great helpful staff. I donated some used books of mine, and they helped with a cart that I took to my car to load the books. They were so welcoming, and the library is so clean and beautiful with many open spaces. Thank you! read more

I really didn't want to write this review but unfortunately they left me no choice after the stunt they pulled on me earlier this month and this is not the first time I've had issues with them. I've been going to this library for 2 years, mostly on sundays and I've noticed that some of the staff are not friendly and not very engaging when it comes to conversation or they'll look at you funny. The first issue I had last year is when one of the staff members at the time called me names after I left the building and now I'm having issues with another staff member who didn't check in a movie that I returned and decided to suspend my account. Not to mention that I tried to called twice but no one responded, I even sent out a contact form and nobody reached out me. It doesn't surprise me that I've been hearing bad things about this library, which is why I will no longer be coming back and I highly suggest anyone not to go, especially if you have to pay $30 dollars to renew your account if you don't live in the temple area. It's not worth going. read more

Great selection of books, front counter people are usually very friendly, get new books fairly often, book sale is always cool, the latino children's librarian is hot af....... Cons It's always about 35 degrees, which is a bit chilly for most people. The upstairs workers are NOT as friendly as downstairs. I'm a normal looking girl, normal hair, dress conservatively, no visible tattoos, etc. But whenever I'm there working on a project, I always get looks from the staff (when they walk by) and the security crew like they think I'm about to commit a crime. This is really the only place where I feel uncomfortable like that. Also, was there a couple nights ago and apparently the library closes at 6 pm on week nights. That must suck for people who work until 5 oclock or for students who a place to study. Seems the library would be a good place for teens and young adults to hang out instead of out getting in trouble. But the annoying thing was that about 5:50 an upstairs worker rudely tells me "we close at 6"....in a voice that showed her annoyance that I was still there (I guess?). But she said it in a really rude way. I replied "yes ma'am, I'll pack up my stuff." She didn't respond, just turned around and walked away. At 5:53 - no joke - all the upstairs lights were turned off, making it fairly dark. And the upstairs workers were flocking downstairs like there was a fire alarm and they had to run to get out of the building. If you are going to turn out the lights and harass the customers almost ten minutes before closing, maybe change the closing time to 5:45 or have a basic announcement that goes out saying the lights are turning off and staff will be rushing to the door before closing time. I had a stack of books I was going to check out but I ended up just leaving them on a table. read more

Library is very clean and modern with helpful staff. Things were easy to find and they have an underground parking lot making it easy to access if you have mobility issues. Issued a library card and key fob. I like I it. read more

This place could be so much better. A couple of opportunities City of Temple should consider: 1. Enforce a no loitering policy. When I bring my family here it's very annoying and unsafe to have homeless panhandlers asking for money in front of my child. We've even seen homeless people fighting near the parking lot. Kinda scary for my little one to see. 2. Better monitoring of and clean up of children's and internet areas and coffee lounge area. A lot of dirty people mess up the place and loiter or don't have a legitimate need for hanging around. Other than the items above, this is a great stop for families in the community. Well stocked with helpful staff. read more

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I have been going to the TPL for years and love it. It has a large selection of books and staff have said they can probably get a copy of most anything they don't have. The staff is friendly and helpful and the children's area downstairs is nice. You can call in and usually extend the check out period for most items. They also have some books available on line through a consortium of libraries, although there aren't many copies of popular books. The main problem is the homeless/street people. First, the library needs to restrict the seats in the children's area downstairs to only children, parents of children and grandparents who actually have children present to keep the street people out of the children's area. Second, they need to remove the benches outside the library so there are not places near parking spots where the street people congregate. Sometimes I have to move my parking space so I don't have to walk by large groups of these people. read more

I like this library the staff is friendly, it has been remodled and looks really nice. The bathrooms are clean. the downstairs can get a little due to the little ones but its ok, not really bothersome. The upstairs is pretty quiet and the quiet room is really quiet. They have all the tax forms that one could need. They have a coupon bin which is great, you can take what you need or bring what you don't want. They also have a pretty good selection of DVD's. This library has two floors. read more

This is such a wonderful library - especially for a Temple-sized town. I have a positive experience every time I visit. I was saddened to read the hateful comments left by another user regarding homeless people in the library. One of the beautiful things about public libraries is that they are open to the public, regardless of class status. Libraries aren't just for rich people. read more

Very well staffed. Very nicely arranged. Quiet Clean. Wonderful Children's section. Good summer programs. Friendly and helpful. read more

I love this library because it don't discriminate to anyone, no matter what situation they are in. It very sad to see that people are not willing to come to a public library because they see homeless people in and around the area. I have been to this library hundreds of time with my young children because they have one of the best kids reading programs throughout the year in this area and never once have I ever felt afraid or approached by these less fortunate souls, This library has two levels of books for any age and any genera your are looking for and if they don't have what you are looking for they will do their best to locate it and bring it in for you. They also have a huge selection of DVD's and music to check out. Because I have 3 young kids we have had a problem with turning things in on time but they are always willing to work with us about payments and fee. Always friendly and willing to help you out. This truly is a place I feel comfortable to hang out in for long or short periods of time just depending on my day. I also love that this library, takes books and movies to shut-ins and other community programs where individuals cannot get out and about to go to the library. I just admire what they are doing for our community and young minds, and keeping our library up to date on all the social needs. read more

The website is better, always enjoy visits to the Temple library.